By Edward Chaykovsky

The controversy over Manny Pacquiao's statements with respect to gay people is still continuing to play out.

Several weeks ago, Pacquiao turned the internet upside down when he said gay people were 'worse than animals.'

On April, Pacquiao will return to the ring against Timothy Bradley in a trilogy fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. They split their first two meetings - although most view Pacquiao as the clear winner of the first, which Bradley won by way of a controversial split decision.

According to Pacquiao, it's going to be the final fight of his professional career. The Filipino superstar is running for a senate seat in his home country and plans to pursue a full-time career in politics. 

The comments he made regarding gays and same-sex marriage caused a huge backlash. Nike terminated their sponsorship deal with the boxer. HBO issued a statement calling Pacquiao's comments 'deplorable' among other things.

During a recent conference call, Bradley was directly asked for his opinion on Pacquiao's position when it comes to gays. At first it appeared that Bradley was going to avoid the topic, but then he began to discuss his personal connection on the subject.

“It’s pretty much irrelevant to boxing and what we are here to talk about. But if you ask me a question about gay people — I love all people for what they are. I respect people for what they are. I judge people by their heart. If they just talk it and don’t show it, then I don’t believe it — that’s what it’s all about. Show me," Bradley said.

“That’s the most important thing. I have a gay uncle [Mitch Bradley] that passed away [eight years ago], and he had the biggest heart out of all of my uncles, and I miss him to death, and I still miss him today right now.”